Longchamp hosted Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe trials day on Sunday and we learnt plenty from it. We now have a new favourite for next month’s showpiece and it’s a good time to have a look at the ante-post market. Liam Bramall has picked out a 12/1 shot as his most likely winner and the horse in question was particularly impressive when last seen. Why not check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Al Riffa has only had nine starts so far, making him relatively lightly raced for a four-year-old. He has shown huge amounts of ability since his juvenile days and he won the Group 1 National Stakes that year. Injury made his three-year-old campaign a bit of a write-off but he did manage to finish less than a length behind 2023 Arc winner Ace Impact on the second of his two starts.
Joseph O’Brien’s colt took a while to get going this season but he ran a fine race to finish second behind City Of Troy in the Eclipse. There’s certainly no shame in that and if anything the performance enhances his reputation. This horse has been campaigned specifically with the Arc as his big target for the season and that could pay dividends.
Going up to 1m4f for the first time when last seen, he absolutely bolted up in a Group 1 at Hoppegarten. He was doing his best work at the finish and pulled further clear with every yard. That was an excellent trial and although the Arc will obviously be tougher, his profile suggests he’s capable of reaching that next level.
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